DC: Gods Sin

NOTE: Still writing chapter 4, but this should hold yall over for now. 

(POV Enchantress) 

Gripping the Demons hand, I helped him to his feet. Perhaps I simply had not been paying attention, or the major events that we had experienced had blinded me, but he cut quite an interesting figure. He had long hair that resembled the large mane he possessed when transformed, those signature eerily green eyes, and what could only be described as part of his skull plastered to the side of his face like a mask. 

Despite these anomalies, what stood out the most was his missing limb. While I did not plan to ask unnecessary questions, it seemed June lacked the same tact as I did. 

(Who do you think took his arm? I wonder if it hurts, and why does he have a mask stuck to his face? Think we can peel it off?) 

Raising an eyebrow, Algor released a small chuckle, and I swore I noticed the left side of his body spasm. 

"It was the price I paid for my ability, so technically I took my own arm. Of course, it doesn't hurt, the Lord of Winter is wildly known for his inability to feel pain. As for the mask? It's just part of me; I can't get rid of it entirely even after transforming. Now that I think about it, I've never had anyone try to peel it off, and I'd like to keep it that way." 

(Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Algor! I forgot that you can hear me in here too! I didn't mean to pry or be insensitive. I was just curious.) 

Waving her off, the Demon did not appear to mind, though I could see him clutching the place where his arm used to be. It would appear the Lord of Winter is supposed to be incapable of feeling pain. We may not have been the only ones riding on a high thus far, mortal. Do not mention this topic again. And be more mindful of what you say, keep your thoughts to yourself. 

Clearly, Algor would prefer both we and whoever his enemies are to not discover this information. If a major ability of his is the inability to feel pain, the knowledge of an opposite fact could prove troublesome. Feeling her nod earnestly in my mind, I released a small sigh of relief. One of the contract clauses had mentioned not disgracing the Demon and I had no doubts that revealing such a secret would be considered breaking it in his eyes. 

"With all the formalities out of the way, I suppose it is time for us to get out of this frozen desert. How long do you think it will take for you to get us somewhere more accommodating?" Attempting to move on, I crossed my arms and questioned my Demon. 

Slowly, seconds ticked by as Algor kicked his feet in the snow and avoided my gaze. It was then that June spoke up. 

(Algor, are you thinking about it? It doesn't have to be exact. We'd just like to know a general time frame. I know it might not affect you two, but it's already been two days and I'm starting to get hungry.) 

Now that she mentioned it, I had been feeling a pit in my stomach growing increasingly bothersome. So, this is hunger? I do not like it. Seeing me rub my stomach with a frown on my face, my Demon placed a hand over his face in clear embarrassment. Glancing up at him, I watched as he opened and closed his mouth a few times, struggling to find the words. 

"Okay, so here's the thing. I may or may not have exhausted pretty much any and all power I had left within the first few moments of my arrival. Also, the combination of imprisonment, the cost of my ability, and yknow the couple million years of torture, kind of have the current me at below acceptable condition. I'm gonna have to devour some souls to at the very least reach a condition capable of recovering passively." Hiding behind his hand as he spoke, he peeked between his fingers to see my reaction. 

I was utterly stupefied. My body began shaking uncontrollably, as I slowly uncrossed my arms. I could feel my eyebrow twitch as the veins within my head threatened to explode outward. 

Sensing my building rage, Algor hurriedly raised an arm in surrender. 

"Wait, wait, wait, I know that sounds bad but not all hope is lost. With my natural affinity, I've been keeping the cold away from you without issue. So technically, we can just walk across the Arctic without issue." 

With a bright smile, he gave me a thumbs up, as if he'd solved our issues and quelled my wrath. Seeing his stupid satisfied expression was the final straw that caused me to snap. Head hanging low, I slowly trudged up to him, grabbed his collar, and pulled him down to my level. 

"I-I see now. All those titles. That monstrous form. Those prideful declarations. The nerve to challenge deaths right to our soul. The power to cover the entire Arctic in your overwhelming aura. It all makes sense now." Voice but a whisper, a soft melodious laugh escaped my lips. 

A bead of sweat began to fall from my Demons face as he continued to give me his best smile. Unfortunately, it would not save him. Tone taking a sharp turn, I shook him this way and that, whilst cursing his name. If was being honest I could not manage to move him a single inch. 

"You are a fraud! The only title of yours that truly matters is CROWNLESS because you are a charlatan! A swindler! A Buffoon! You filthy CUR! Do you mean to tell me you wasted what fraction of power you still possessed, to POSTURE in front of us?! To get your contract signed?! ARGH, and then you say we can just WALK across a continent! When I am currently in the process of starving to death?!" 

"If not for the fact that I had no magic to spare, I would cast every curse known to man upon you. I would summon the flames of hell, and throw you in a cauldron to boil you alive. I would take the nearest iceberg and nail you into the ground with it. And I would do this, and that, and then this, and a little bit of that." My words became crazed as I enacted everything, I planned to do to him. Swinging my fists, kicking my legs, and forming crosses with my fingers hoping to banish him back to whence he came. 

Whilst I acted out the various scenarios involving his murder, death, and destruction. The ashamed Algor had curled up in a ball on the floor and was pouting. Meanwhile, June laughed at both of our expense. 

(The contract says we can't harm him anyway. So put away your weapons of mass destruction. Besides, I think your words did more damage to him than anything else would have. Look how sad he is now. It's okay Algor, I believe you'll recover your strength in no time! Sadly, starvation is a real concern for us, so let's try and figure a way out of this situation.) 

AHA, perhaps you are correct mortal. The knowledge that he is the only demon in existence to lack a crown, a limb, and power should be enough to teach him a lesson. Do not console him, for he deserves to wallow in this sense of defeat! Placing my hands on my hips in triumph, I laughed heartily at Algor's sulking figure. 

My laughter was quickly interrupted when a familiar dread encompassed my being. Without warning Algor appeared at my side, taking me in his arms and leaping backward. 

Questions filled my mind, and I could feel June's concern as well. Turning my attention to where we'd just been moments before, multiple spearheads had pierced through the ice sending an explosion of snow and ocean water outward. 

Through the explosion I watched as a roughly 10-meter-wide hole was opened in the ice-floor, and from the sea rose a contingent of beings. They offered no greetings, or moment of respite as a large figure launched himself toward us. Spinning me in his grasp, Algor gently threw me behind him whilst he clashed with the giant. 

The unknown man possessed gold-plated armor that covered him from head to toe, with a blade for a hand, and an unnatural level of strength. Each of the soldiers' attacks cracked the ice beneath his feet and sent snow scattering in all directions. Based on the expression on Algor's face, it was all he could do to dodge the man's assault. If a single one of those attacks landed, I worried if he'd survive. 

Seemingly growing tired of their brief game of cat and mouse the giant grunted in annoyance. 

"Stop running, and fight, boy!" 

No sooner had he spoken, did an intense heat fill the air, and a blur of red filled my vision. I could only watch helplessly, as Algor was blindsided by a blast of energy. Its source being a young man in silver armor positioned at the center of the group of newcomers. Clearly the leader of sorts. Within his arms was a pale white weapon of sorts, which was currently glowing red. 

The force of the weapon sent Algor flying, and his body finally crash landed the ice floor cracked under the impact. Rushing to his aide, I found an intense steam covering his crumpled form. Before I could get too close, he began to rise to his feet, and the snow surrounding us began to turn darken. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

(POV Orm) 

It had been a normal day as any other. There I was seated on my throne, being serviced by some dutiful handmaids, when I felt what was akin to a piece of my soul being stripped from me. Keeling over in pain and confusion, screams filled the throne room as my attendants raced to get me assistance. 

As soon as the pain had come, it vanished. With sweat filling my brow, I remained kneeling wondering what the hell had just happened. Closing my eyes I sought to find the source of the pain, my senses spread to the various beasts within the sea, and before long I had found my answer. It hit me like a ton of bricks. What the fuck was this? How did this happen? How COULD this even happen? 

It was then that my mother and some King's Guard burst into the room. Racing toward me, she cupped my face in her hands, worry filling her gaze. 

"My child, tell me, what ails you?" 

"I-I don't know how, but t-the Arctic Ocean. It's no longer under my control. My command over its domain has ceased." Even as I spoke, I didn't truly believe the words I had spoken. 

Gasps filled the room, and a dire expression of disbelief appeared on Mother's face. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

(POV Atlanna) 

Orms words reverberated through my mind. If his words rang true, I feared just what it meant. What exactly had happened? How could the King of Atlantis lose control of one of the seven seas? How was that even possible? Unless Poseidon himself descended, there shouldn't be anything or anyone capable of challenging our rule. 

I wasted no time in my decision, we would immediately head to the Arctic and investigate any and all possible sources of this... anomaly. Along with a small squadron of guards, the only ones traveling with me were Captain Tula, Commander Murk, and against my wishes, Orm as well. 

We'd taken neither mounts nor warships. The urgency of the situation is too great to waste time on such slow and clunky means of transportation. Within a few hours, we'd entered the Arctic Circle and after a quick scan, we'd discovered two life signatures that were at the heart of the frozen wasteland. 

That seemed to be all the information Orm needed, as he abruptly accelerated, charging toward the unknown figure's location. Foolish child. With a nod of my head Commander Murk and a few men who could match his speed, took off after their King. While I could catch up to them in no time, the same could not be said for Tula and the rest of our entourage. 

Deciding to hang back, I continued scanning the area, making sure no other objects of interest were around or lying in ambush. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

(POV Orm) 

Seeing the bastard get sent flying like a ragdoll brought a smile to my face. With him out of the way, all we needed to do was knock out the woman and take them both back to Atlantis for questioning. From the moment we'd burst through the ice I could feel that he was the reason for my connection with the Arctic vanishing. Yet I couldn't tell you why. 

Other than his weasel-like ability to avoid Murk's attacks, he seemed to be nothing special. Leaping from the water, I walked past the commander and prepared to incapacitate the strangely tattooed woman. Before I could take another step, the bastard who was supposed to be dead, began to rise to his feet. 

Eyes narrowing, I watched as the snow surrounding him began to darken before turning obsidian in color. Standing upright now, I noticed the rags he'd previously worn had been turned to ash, yet his body remained unharmed. That is if you could call the massive pitch-black scar that seemed to cover half his torso, and his missing left arm, unharmed. ~IMAGE~

The plasma rifle was truly an amazing weapon. Looking at his sorry state I released a sneer. 

"You may have survived the first blast, but only barely. Think you can take another? What about that woman? I suggest you stand down and come with us peacefully." 

"8 hours. That's how long I've been on earth. It took only 8 hours for my life to be put in danger. I bet the Emperor is laughing at me right now. You silverfish bitch, are you trying to make me look bad?" As the man spoke, his voice became continuously more twisted and monstrous. Without warning, a blizzard of black snow engulfed the area. 

Before I could gain a sense of my surroundings, a pair of glowing green orbs caught my eye. From within the storm of darkness emerged a beast possessing a gaping maw, and a body so large that it dwarfed Murks own. I didn't even have time to scream, as a clawed hand wrapped itself around my head.

Time seemed to freeze momentarily as the monster spoke. 

"I might die today, but you'll be going first." 

Following his words my body toppled over and I was slammed head-first into the ice-covered floor. Skull splintered the ground upon impact, my vision swam as I struggled to make out the scene of him placing a foot against my head. I thought I was seeing things as a white and black swirl of energy began to form between his set of horns. 

My doubt was quickly transformed to utter terror, as I felt watched the billowing snow storm around us begin flying toward the continually condensing ball of darkness. From the corner of my eye, I saw Murk attempting to leap toward the Demon with a desperate look on his face. 

Staring into the emerald iris hiding behind its skull, I could feel an intense thrill radiating from the beast. He was ecstatic. My helplessness, my knowledge that I was about to die, my realization that there was nothing I could do, it brought him joy. To embarrass me, to shame me, to reduce me to dirt beneath his feet. 

Unable to do much else than desperately clutch and claw at the foot steadily driving my face further into the floor, I couldn't help but wonder why such a creature had appeared here. Consciousness waning, I heard a sharp whistle before the resounding boom of the sound barrier being shattered deafened me. 

In the next instant a silver blur entered momentarily entered my sightline, and struck the Demon in an explosion of ice and lightning. As the blinding light and eruption of snow began to dissipate, it revealed a haggard yet no less threatening form. 

What once was his left hand was extended to the side, clearly, he had used it to block the surprise attack, yet all that remained in its place was an empty space. As for his other arm, it held the rod of a trident mere centimeters from his skull, the Demons hand gripped the weapon so tightly the sound of bones creaking could be heard. 

Exhaling a deep breath of mist, his gaze turned to our left where the Queen of Atlantis stood firm, her arm that had thrown the trident still extended. 

"I suppose I should thank you for holding back." 

Seeing Mother, hope returned to my eyes. I was nearly brought to tears. That's right you bastard! It's over for you now! My thoughts were abruptly cut short as a large hand wrapped around my neck and began dragging me forward. Frantically clawing at the fur-covered arm, I was led against my will toward the beast's compatriot. 

Atlanna and Murk watched his movements skeptically, and once he planted himself before the woman and my people, his grip loosened. Tossing me without care at the Queen's feet, his attention was immediately turned to the strange woman. Kneeling before her he bowed his head in apparent regret. 

"Are you two alright? I should have anticipated a worst-case scenario like this, I apologize. Rarely do things go the way you want them to; I was much too complacent. That large man is much too powerful for the current me, let alone the silver-haired woman. I either die now, becoming unable to fulfill our contract, or you end up dead and I break the contract clause. If you're willing to pay the cost I'm willing to perform OrEzEtUlOsBa. Even in this weakened state, it would be enough to kill anyone in the vicinity. The choice is yours." Completely disregarding our existence, he spoke as if they were the only two people around. 

The witch seemed to ponder his words seriously, before clicking her tongue and beginning to change. Before our eyes her black hair became blonde, and the markings that covered her body disappeared. As if she'd become an entirely different person, the mysterious ancient air that surrounded her had vanished. 

"We've come too far to give up now Algor. I agree with Enchantress. If we aren't willing to risk it all, then we'll never be capable of attaining it all. You have our consent. Wipe this place off the map. Whatever happens afterward, we'll deal with it when the time comes." Looks were often deceiving, for the pure saint-like woman glared at us with a fanatic light in her eyes. 

This was a joke, right? While scrambling to my feet, I saw that Atlanna was making no move to interrupt their conversation or stop him from performing his technique. Clearly, she was interested to see what the beast had up his sleeve to give him such confidence, but there was also doubt in her eyes. 

It was then that I noticed my very blood had begun to freeze within certain parts of my body. Try as I might I could no longer move, and after a moment my skin was forced to burst open as my blood solidified. The same scene took place with the rest of the soldiers, Tula included. Only Murk and Atlanna seemed fine for the time being. 

From above, an unsuspecting human aircraft began to plummet downward. It's metallic form was quickly becoming covered in an obsidian-colored frost. The moment it crashed to the ground, the suspected explosion didn't occur, instead it shattered into millions of pieces. Like it had been made of glass. 

"Let it be known, here and now, far and wide, forever and always. I am Crownless Demon, Algor Tenebrous Mortis, the Black Sabbath." With each word that left his mouth, the clouds that covered the sky began to expand and darken, green lightning flashed through the air, and the mountaintops, icebergs, and sea turned black. 

With slow and deliberate movements, the Demon raised his only arm. Casually as if poking a hole in reality itself, his clawed pointer finger extended forward. 

"And." The wind howled and screamed. 

"I." The earth split and shook. 

"Am." The ocean churned and raged. 

"A B S O-" Moments before the Demon had finished speaking, a familiar tattooed hand was pressed against his chest, halting his words. 

"I've changed my mind. You can't do anything if we don't both agree, right? It's not worth it. Besides, I think they'll be willing to talk this out now." Pointing at us, the people in question, the duo watched with amused eyes as our men crumpled to the ground, quickly followed by me. 

Tula, and Murk were on their hands and knees, trembling in combination of fear and due to the drastic drop in temperature. Even Queen Atlanna herself was using her trident to support her kneeling figure, her eyes much like the others no longer holding an ounce of doubt. But sheer terror. 

Seeing my mother show such an expression only sent me deeper into the pits of despair. For someone as powerful of her to display true hopelessness before an enemy. Was that even possible?

NOTE: Good morning.